June 17, 2025

Written Testimony of Representative Steven Xiarhos
In Support of Bill H.753 — An Act to Strengthen School Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Hearing Before the Joint Committee on Education

To the Chairperson, Vice Chair, and esteemed members of the Joint Committee on Education:

Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony in full and unequivocal support of House Bill 753, legislation that I have proudly filed to enhance the safety of our schoolchildren, teachers, and staff across the Commonwealth.

I speak to you today not only as a legislator, but as a 40-year veteran of law enforcement, a former Deputy Police Chief, and a seven-year school resource officer. Most importantly, I am the proud father of a current school resource officer who carries on the commitment to protect and serve within our schools.

This bill is born out of lived experience. I’ve been there when threats were made against a school. I’ve helped implement safety plans. I’ve stood side-by-side with school leaders, students, and parents through moments of fear and uncertainty. I know what works—and I know what happens when we fail to prepare.

House Bill 753 focuses on four core priorities:

Protecting Sensitive Security Plans:
Section 1 exempts school safety and emergency response plans from public disclosure under state public records law. This is a critical measure to ensure that the people seeking to do harm cannot access sensitive documents detailing our security procedures and vulnerabilities.

Creating 24/7 School Threat Reporting Lines:
Section 2 mandates the creation of a dedicated, round-the-clock phone line in every city and town for the reporting of threats to school buildings. This gives families, students, and community members a clear, reliable, and immediate way to report concerns—because time is everything in a crisis.

Placing School Resource Officers in Every School Building:
Section 3 calls for at least one trained school resource officer (SRO) to be present in every school building during instructional hours. These officers provide far more than security—they build trust, provide mentorship, and serve as a vital line of defense in the event of a threat. Properly implemented under a memorandum of understanding, SROs enhance the safety and the climate of our schools.

Enhancing Physical Security and Mandatory Training:
Section 4 sets standards for active shooter training, annual safety audits, and recommends physical security upgrades like single access points, reinforced locks, and connected video surveillance systems. These are practical, proven deterrents—and every student in the Commonwealth deserves access to them.

This legislation also tasks the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education with helping schools access grants and funding for these measures, recognizing that safety should not be a luxury limited to certain zip codes.

Let me be clear: This bill is not about fear—it’s about responsibility. It is about equipping our schools with the tools they need to respond to today’s threats. We must take every step available to prevent another school tragedy before it happens. The time to act is now.

I urge the Joint Committee on Education to give House Bill 753 a favorable report. As someone who has dedicated his life to protecting others—and who knows the life-changing difference school safety measures can make—I believe this legislation is not only timely, but necessary.

Thank you for your time, your service, and your commitment to keeping our schools safe.

Respectfully submitted,

Steven G. Xiarhos
Massachusetts State Representative
5th Barnstable District